"We don't have a lot of need for individual protection for our legislators,” said Officer Matthew Romei of the Vermont Capitol Police. "We've been getting reports throughout the day from them, and we'll use those reports to adjust what we do and how we're working."

But what happens if you're not a specially trained officer? How can you stay safe? If you're wounded, the key is to act fast.

"The leading cause of death after an event like this is uncontrolled bleeding -- and uncontrolled bleeding, at least from the extremities, can be very well controlled temporarily with a tourniquet,” said Dr. Ajaj Malhorta at the University of Vermont Medical Center.

And if police or medical help isn't available, security expert Rob Evans said fighting back can be an option.

"You know, the worst thing that could happen is if that bad thing takes place that we get into that fight or flight type of syndrome, where we freeze and we do nothing,” Evans said. “Doing something is always better than not doing anything at all."

Evans said those that ran for cover after shots were fired did the smart thing.

His No. 1 safety tip? Always be aware of your surroundings.

“If something looks suspicious, if somebody looks suspicious, it's that old federal adage, 'if you see something say something' -- that if things just don't look right, don't keep it to yourself. Have a conversation with somebody, a position of authority and responsibility, local law enforcement, those types of things,” he said. “And don't just think, 'somebody else is taking care of that.'"